Brake actuator



March 4, 1952 c. s. MGCARTHY BRAKE ACTUATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 26, 1949 me/MM C'HARLEE. 5- MEEARTHY ATTORNEY March 4, 1952 c. s. MCCARTHY BRAKE ACTUATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 26, 1949 ln/vmbo@ CHARLES 5. MEL-AR THY l ATTORNEY March 4, 1952 c. s. MocARTHY BRAKE ACTUATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 26, 1949 A- BRAKE APPLICATION TRAVEL ZlEY Patented Mar. 4, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BRAKE ACTUATOR ,Application s epiemneree, 1949, serial No. 117,787

This invention relates to :improvements in brake mechanism for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, and has for one of its objects the provision of simple, rugged and comparativel-y inexpensive mechanism for ,automatically 'taking up the slack in the ,brake system due to -wear of the brake linings or other parts.

Another object of this invention is the 'incorporation into the brake system of an ad- .'usting device which will automatically adjust the brake lever mechanism as the brake linings wear.

A further .obect of vthis 'invention is the arrangement of automatic brakev adjustment mechanism whereby such automatic adjustment is effected by movements of the foot brake and associated brake lever mechanism, but the benets thereof are also participated vin by the hand brake and associated lever mechanism.

It has long Vbeen a desideratum among automotive engineers that the 'hand brake lever mechanism should require manual adjustment only as often as the foot 'brake mechanism 'requires adjustment. The Ynumber of such manual adjustments varies with the different makes of cars, averaging three to 'four foot brake yadjustments in the working life of 'the brake linings, and are necessitated whenever the brake linings wear suiiiciently to vpermit the foot pedal to travel to the vehicle iioor .in applying the brakes. brake mechanism is so connected with the foot brake mechanism 'that even when the Vfoot brake pedal ,touches .the floor board' the hand brake lever will be in the same adjustment as at the start and will apply the rbrakes with the same amount of eort.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following .description taken in connection with the accompanying' drawings :illustrating presently preferred embodiments of my invention, and wherein ysimilar reference numerals designate similar .parts 'throughout the several views.

In the drawings: j

Fig. 1 .is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a vehicle brake mechanism :constructed in accordance with the .present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail .side elevation of the lower end portion of the hand brake pull rodr In the present invention, the hand lever I v"I Claims. .(Cl. 188.--1069 rod, and showing automatic adjusting mechanism and` associated parts. n

Figs. 5 and 6 are detail cross sectional views taken respectively on the lines 5-'5 and 6 6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a 4modified arrangement of hand brake lever mechanism for actuating the brake rod and automatic adjusting mechanism.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged front elevation of the upper portion of the modied brake lever mechanism shown in Fig. 7, and

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the brake rlever mechanism of Fig. 7. Y

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 6, the reference numeral I0 designates the floor board and I I the dash board of an automobile or other `suitable vehicle. The brake applying mechanism is mounted mainly on the motor side of and below the dash board, with the foot pedal I2 and hand brake handle rod I3 extending through suitable openings in the floor board into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Foot braise pedal I2 is pivotally `connected to the upper arm of a brake lever III fulcrumed, as at I5, upon ,the vehicle chassis. The forward extremity of a pull rod I6 is also pivotally connected with the brake lever I4 and at its rearextremity is suitably connected with mechanism arranged to apply the brakes at all or some of the vehicle wheels, 'in accordance with established practice. Springs (not shown) suitably arranged in the Vbrake applying system constantly exert a rearward pull on rod I6, maintaining the brake lever I4 and foot 'pedal I2 in substantially the positions shown in Fig. '1, except when depressed vby the driver. A n -illu'strative embodiment of conventional 'brake applyi-ng mechanism is shown -in Fig. `l. The pull rod I6 is pivotally connected at-its rear extremity with an upstanding lever arm `Hl secured upon 'an yoscillatab'le cross shaft 'II, which in turn is connected through lever arm `'I2 with thebrake rod4 tremity of handle rod I3 a sleeve I1 encircles the handle rod and is provided with a downwardly projecting bracket portion I8 to which is pivootally connected the upper extremity of a lever I9, as by pivot (Figs. 1 and 2). Lever |9 is pivoted at its opposite extremity to the upper arm of auxiliary lever 2|, as by pivot pin 22, and intermediate its ends carries a roller 23 adapted to contact and move along the irregular guide track 24 forming the lower extremity of track member 25 supported adjacent the top of bracket 26, by means of which the hand brake lever mechanism is mounted upon the vehicle chassis. The track member 25 with its irregular guide track controls the motion of lever I9 as the handle rod I3 is pulled toward its on position or is returned toward its off position, as shown in Fig. 1. The irregular guide track is disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Raymond-R. Peterson, Serial Number 736,140,-f1led March 21, 1947, now Patent No. 2,555,811, issued June 5, 1951.A

The arrangement of the irregular guide track herein is a modified one, differing in detail from the Peterson disclosure. Auxiliary lever 2| is pivoted intermediate its ends on bracket 26, as by pivot pin 21, and the lower arm of auxiliary lever 2| is preferably channeled adjacent its lower extremity and shaped, substantially as shown in Figs.. 1 and 4, with anv apertured hemispherical portion ZIA, the purpose of which will hereinafter be more fully described.

The automatic adjusting feature of my improved vehicle brake mechanism will now be described. Pull rod 28 is arranged substantially horizontally below the oor board of the vehicle and connects at its rear extremity with suitable mechanism through which power is applied to the brakes on all or some of the vehicle wheels whenever the hand lever brake mechanism is moved to its "on position. In Fig. 1 the rear extremity of pull rod 28 is shown pivotally connected to lever arm 18 secured on the same oscil latable cross rod 1| that is rocked when the foot brake I2 is depressed, merely for purposes of illustration. In order to apply the brakes, pull rod 28 must travel forwardly or to the left as shown in Fig. l. At its forward extremity pull rod 28 is formed with a series of annular grooves 29 (Fig. 4) forming a type of buttress thread with the rear face of each thread at substantially right angles to the axis of rod 28 and the forward face of each thread arranged at an angle substantially as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, it will be assumed that these annular grooves or threads are .040 apart, though it will be understood that other sizes and distances may readily be employed. A nut 30, formed of two equal halvesV (Fig. 5) has on its internal diameter annular grooves shaped and spaced to fit over the grooves 29 on pull rod 28. The two halves of nut 30 are pressed towards each other, as by a circular coil spring 3| tting in an annular groove 32 in the outer surface of the nut. The forward extremity of nut 30 is preferably hemispherical, for reasons hereinafter explained, and While the rear extremity shows the corner chamfered for clearance, it may readily assume some other shape as desired. A cylinder 33, .having an inner diameter slightly greater than that of pull rod`28 and its forward extremity closed, is hereinshown with its rear extremity iiared outwardly, as at 34 (Fig. 4). The forward portion of nut 30 is .provided with a cut-out 35 in its inner face, the forward wall of which is angled so as to substantially t over the flared portion 34 of cylinder 33. A similar ared cut-out 36 is provided in the inner face of the rear portion of nut 30 with a rearwardly-angled wall fitting over the outwardlyflared forward extremity 31 of tube 38, which surrounds the rear portion of the buttress threads 29 and a considerable portion of pull rod 28 next rearwardly of the buttress threads. Tube 38 has an inner diameter slightly greater than that of pull rod 28 and at its rear extremity is provided with a peripheral flange 38A (Fig. 4), forming a rear abutment for coil spring 33 encircling the rear portion of tube 38 and enclosed within a casing having inwardly turned flanges at its extremities. Casing 40 serves to retain lubricant and exclude dirt and dust from spring 39, and the rear'flange 40A of casing 40 is normally pressed'jagainst the rear surface of flange 38A by the spring 39, which is preloaded before casing 40 is. positioned as shown in Fig. 4. A hood or protective casing 4|. is also preferably mounted loosely aroundnut.,30 with the rear portion of such c asing 4| formed as a centrally apertured hemispherical portion fitting over the curved rear extremity of nut 30. The forward portion of casing 4| is circumferentially spaced from nut 30 suiciently to permit separation of the nut sectionsv when desired and at its forward extremity is provided with an inturned ange serving to retain a closure disc 42 (Fig. 4) having a central aperture'fltting over cylinder 33. The casing 4| and companion disc 42 are primarily to cover nut 30 and associated parts to keep out dust and dirt andretain desired lubricant, and

. tube 38 and both pass 'through the aperture in the hemispherical portion 2 IA of auxiliary lever 2|. It will also be apparent from Figs. 1 and 4 that the hemispherical portion 2|A of the lever will substantially t over the hemispherical rear extremity of nut 30 and its casing 4|. The reason for the hemispherical surfaces on lever 2| and adjacent extremity of nut 30 and its casing 4| is twofold. First, it serves as a ball connection so that proper contact is maintained at all times as lever 2| swings through an arc from its pivot 21. Second, while the buttress thread type of grooves 2.9 on pull rod 28, and cooperating inner grooves 'in nut 30, may be regarded as sufficient to keep the nut 30 from accidentally moving forwardly along the pull rod 28 when under pressure, the interfltting hemispherical surfaces of lever 2| and rear portion of nut 30 and casing 4| form an additional factor of safety to prevent unwanted opening ofthe nut, and consequent creeping movement thereof along the pull rod while the greatest pressure is being applied to the pull rod. The dotted line positions of the brake levers and forward portion of the pull rod in Fig. 1 indicate the lift imparted to the forward extremity of pull rod 28 during application of brakes through the handle rod |3.

Below the full line off position and dotted line on position of lever 2| and pull rod 28 is indicated the total travel of the lower extremity of lever 2| (Fig. 1). This travel indication is divided into two portions, to-wit, that marked A, which indicates the actual travel, utilized for brake application, and B,A which .indicates the brake wear take-up travel. In the illustrated embodiment it will be assumed, by way of example,

5 tremity `of lever 2| required Ato apply the brakesv when lnew or readjusted is approximately fla", and at maximum 'brake lining wear, when the foot pedal l2 touches the floor board, the movement of lever 2| then required is 1%. Hence, guide track 24 is designed to cause the lower extremity of vlever 2| to move through an arc of 111g. When the brakes are new or readjusted, pull rod '28 is required to move fe to apply the brakes. Since the lower extremity of lever 2| moves a total of 11% whenever the hand brake is applied, it is necessary that nut 30 be adjusted on pull rod 28 so that lever 2| travels vfreely for one inch lbefore it contacts casing 4I of nut 39. This travel of one inch will be referred to as free motion.

Pivotally connected at its rear extremity to foot brake lever I4 below its fulcrum I5 (note Fig. 1) is a rod 43 having an eye or loop portion 43A at its forward extremity arranged `to encircle tube 33 between the lower extremity of lever 2| and the forward extremity of casing 40 enclosing' preloaded yspring 39. The position of the loop or eye portion 43A of rod 43 relatively to the forward extremity of casing 40 is such that when the brakes are new or readjusted, movement of the foot brake lever I4 to apply the brakes will merely move loop 43A rearwardly along pull rod 28 until it contacts casing 4B, but does not cbmpress spring 39 within such casing In the illustrated embodiment such clearance between loop 43A and casing 40 when the brakes are new or readjusted is approximately ae".

As the brake linings wear, foot pedal I2 will have to travel further toward the floor board I0 to apply the brakes, and such further movement will cause the loop or eye end 43A of rod 43 to contact casing 40 and then move such casing rearwardly to further compress spring 39. The extra movement of loop 43A of rod 43 will be transmitted through the flange 38A to tube 38, causing the flared forward extremity 37 of such tube to open the rear extremity of nut 30, and upon sufficient movement of loop 43A of rod 43 will pull nut 3Il rearwardly over one notch of buttress thread 23.

The one inch free motion heretofore noted4 between nut 30 and 'lever 2| of the hand brake system will then be cut down by .040", and the pull rod 28 will then be moved 1%" plus .040 in the r actual application of the brakes when the hand brake system is employed.

As the brake linings continue to wear, nut 30 would slowly be adjusted .040" at a time, until at such time' as the brake pedal I2 touches the iioor board nut 3|) would be adjusted to where' it is in contact with the hemispherical face 2IA of lever 2| in its full line or 01T position in Fig. l, and the one inch free motion would have been entirely absorbed. In other words, in this wornout brake condition pull rod 28 would be pulled by lever 2| a total 0f llg" in the actual application of the brakes when the hand 'lever system is employed. Since 11g of this travel is required to apply the brakes when the brake linings are new or readjusted, it follows that in the wornout condition of the brake linings brake lever 2| is pulling rod 28 one inch in preliminarily adjusting the brake bands to the same position that they were in with new or readjusted brake linings.

It is the consensus of opinion among vautomotive engineers that the motion-of the .foot brake pedal` correctly reiiects the wear on the brake linings.. In` the illustrated embodiment, Ihave 6 accordingly hooked up thefoot brake ipedal to' control the .adjustment which automatically `determines the amountof free motion of lever 21|., and so the hand brake lever vsystem is automatically adjusted vas the .brake linings -wear and should apply the brakes just as efficiently when the yfoot brake pedal touches the lloor board as when the brakes are new or readjusted.

When the worn brake linings are replaced Vor the brakes are readjusted so that the foot brake pedal works normally, all that is required in the illutrated embodiment for readjustment :of the hand brake .lever system is to reposition split nut 30 on pull rod 28. This is accomplished by pulling on cylinder 33 and tube 38. Due to the flared ends 34 and 31 respectively, and' cooperating angled surfaces of the cut-outs r35 and 36 in nut 3U, the halves of the nut are forced apart, and can then be readily slipped forwardly on the pull rod with ample clearance over buttress threads 29. In making this` adjustment, nut 30 in Apractice is pulled forwardly more than ythe estimated distance required and then when Athe foot pedal I2 is next moved to apply the brakes its movement of rod 43 will adjust nut 30 automatically to its original position where there will be substantially one inch free motion between nut 30 and the hemispherical portion 2IA of lever 2|.

From the above, it will be apparent that efficient and complete application of the brakes through the hand brake lever system may be made, regardless of various adjusted positions of the nut 30 relatively to the normal position of lever 2|. Whenever the brakes are applied through the hand brake system, the lower end of the lever 2| is swung through a complete arc of, say 117-6, and a portion of its early-movement is free motion, until such time as the gradual wear on the brake linings has resulted in the adjustment of nut 30 in constant contact with lever 2|. Upon completion of the .free motion of lever 2|, the remainder of its travel carries with it nut 30 and the pull rod 28. A portion or" such latter movement results in repositioning ,I regular contoured guide track 24 in combination with roller 23 and lever I9, which is larranged between the upper end of lever 2| andthe handle rod I3. vThe arrangement is such that lever .|63 swings lever 2| more rapidly during the .i early portion of the .movement of the handle rod I3 than during the later movements of such handle rod. As shown in Fig. 1, roller I3.seats in a comparatively low portion or .recess in the guide track 24 while the hand brake .lever system is in its normal off position. When handle rod I3 is pulled-to apply the brakes through the handpbrake system, roller 23 will first move up lan vinclined portion of guide track 24 to rapidly swing the lever 2| to thereby quickly take up the slack or lost motion in the hand brake lever system, and then further movement of handle rod I3 will cause roller 23 of lever I9 to ride over a declining vportion Aof guide track 24, Awhereby a Acomparatively smooth pull upon handle rod I3 Vwill produce a 'gradual full 'application :of :the

brakes without intermediate humps inthe effortcurve of the brake handle rod I3 as it is drawn rearwardly. The desired curvature of guide track 24 may be determined empirically. As pointed out in the above-mentioned application of Raymond R. Peterson, the effort curve may be plotted and the contour of guide track 24 varied at intermediate places throughout its length so as to vary the lever ratio to eliminate so-called humps, and reduce the amount of effort required from the lever handle rod I3 at any particular point. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward end of the working surface of the guide track 24 is shown as having a relatively short abrupt incline designed to produce the above-described rapid taking up of slack or4 free motion in the hand brake system. It will be understood, however, that this incline may be more gradual in practice, and varies with diierent makes and models of automobiles. Beyond such comparatively steep incline the guide track 24 is arranged with a declining portion leading to a depression followed by another slight incline adjacent the rear wall of the guide track where the roller 23 is held while the brakes are in their fully applied positions.

The hand lever brake system is maintained in its on position by means of the latching pawl 45 carried by and extending radially beyond the periphery of handle rod I3 (Figs. 2 and 3), and a ratchet tooth 46 (Fig. l) carried by and extending upwardly from the track member 25 at substantially the point reached by pawl 45 when the brakes are fully applied. A torsional spring 41 encircles handle rod I3 with its ends extending into engagement with pawl 45 and sleeve I1 respectively, whereby handle rod I3 and pawl 45 are yieldingly held in substantially the positions shown in full lines in Figs. 1-3 at all times except when the handle portion |3A is manually turned against the tension of spring 41, or pawl 45 slides up and over the inclined forward port-ion of tooth 46 during the application l,of the brakes, into substantially the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

To release the brakes after their application through the hand lever brake system, it is only necessary to twist handle rod I3 until pawl 45 is rotated out of contact with tooth 46, whereupon the pull of the brake rod 28 will move the brake actuator parts into the full line starting positions shown in Fig. 1, with the brakes fully released. Spring 41 will restore handle rod I3 and associated elements to normal positions when the operator releases his grasp on the handle portion ISA.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 7 through 9, the hand brake actuating means is mounted upon the motor side of dashboard I I I, with only the handle ||3A and handle rod ||3 extending into the passenger compartment of the vehicle, where the handle rod is guided in a nipple 48 fixed below the instrument panel 49. A flexible rubber grommet 50 may be xed in the dashboard II I to prevent fumes from entering the passenger compartment, without restricting the handle rod I I3 in its sliding movements to apply and release the brake. Adjacent its forward extremity handle rod ||3 loosely carries the sleeve ||1, but in this embodiment bracket arm ||8 of such sleeve extends upwardly and supports pivot pin whereby the forward extremity of lever ||9 is connected to the handle rod. As best shown in Fig. 8, bracket arm ||8 is offset laterally of the axis of handle rod I I3, and lever I I9 is formed of two strips of sheet metal of different lengths bent for reinforcement purposes and welded. or otherl wise suitably secured, to each other intermediate their ends. The longer strip I ISA is pivotally secured to bracket arm I I8 by pivot pin |20, A roller |23 i5 journaled between spaced portions of the two strips forming lever I I9, as on pintle |23A mounted in apertures adjacent the lower extremity of the shorter strip ||9B of the lever and an intermediate portion of the longer strip ||9A (Fig. 8).

Guide track |24 on which roller |23 is adapted to ride is herein shown as forming the upper edge of track member I25, which also carries the standard 5| whereby the track member is secured upon the forward face of dashboard III, as by welding or riveting through spaced lateral flanges 52 (Fig. 8). The upper edge |24 of track member |25 on which roller |23 is adapted to roll is irregularly contoured to accomplish substantially the same purposes as herein described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 6. The upper extremity of lever I9 is pivotally connected, as by pivot pin 53, to a shorter lever or link 54, which is pivoted at its other extremity to the upper portion of fixed standard 5|, as by pivot pin 55. This arrangement of levers 54 and ||9 results in a species 0f toggle mechanism whereby pivot pin 53 is elevated and swung through an arc substantially .as shown in Fig. '1 whenever the handle rod ||3 is pulled from its normal off position shown in full lines in Fig. '1 to its brake applied or "on position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. This movement of pivot pin 53 is utilized to exert the necessary pull upon pull rod 28 of the brake system to fully apply the brakes. As herein shown, a substantially U- shaped link 55, bent to clear the toggle levers, track member and handle rod (Fig. 8)-, is pivoted adjacent its upper extremity upon the same pivot pin 53 that connects the levers 54 and I9. A substantially vertically arranged rod 51 is adjustably secured at its upper extremity in the lower portion of link 56, as by adjustable lock nuts 58, and at its lower extremity rod 51 is pivotally connected to the upper arm 59 of a bell-crank lever suitably fulcrumed, as upon pivot pin B0, which is journaled in a fixed portion of the vehicle chassis (not shown). The lower arm |2| of the bell-crank lever is herein shown as substantiallyvertically arranged when it is in its normal or off position (Fig. '7), and the lever arms 59 and |2| are proportioned to effect the desired maximum throw of the lower extremity of lever arm |2I whenever the handle rod ||3 is moved'rearwardly through its entire range of movement. The lower extremity of lever |2| is provided with an apertured hemispherical portion |2|A in the same manner as hereinbefore described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in Figs. l through 6. Pull rod 28 carries the same elements as hereinbefore described in connection with my first-described embodiment to-wit, nut 30 with its cover portion 4I, cylinder 33, tube 38 and spring 39 with its casing 40. Similarly, the loop or eye end of rod 43 is normally arranged between the forward extremity of casing 40 and the hemispherical portion I2 IA of lever I2 I.

The curvature of the upper surface |24 of track |25 may be varied as desired, and is herein shown as including a portion imparting an initial sharp rise, which, however, is not as abrupt as the initial portion of track 24 in the embodiment of Figs. 1 through 6, and another portion arranged to impart a gradual decline to aid in effecting a hereinbefore explained.the prole. of the con- -tour of the irregular track, surface |.24may vary with different makes. and models of vehicles.

In operation, assuming the full liner showing in Fig.k 7, to depict .the .oi position of the hand brake actuating mechanism, theV toggle levers 54, H9, being nearly in. a straight line position, the brakes are applied by pulling rearwardly upon handle rod ||3. Sleeve ||1 is moved rearwardly with the handle, thereby causing toggle link ||9 to move toward a vertical position to exert a quick pull upon link 55 and rod 51 connecting such link with the bell-crank lever as roller |23 climbs the initial sharp rise portion of irregular guide track |24, therebyquickly taking up anyslack or free motion in the brake operating mechanism.' Roll- -er |23, after reaching the high point of curved track |24, then moves along the declining-surface of the track as shown in Fig. 7, with toggle lever |9 moving into the almost perpendicular position shown in dotted linesv in Fig. 7 when"the"brakes are fully applied. This movement of toggle lever ||9 elevates the lower extremity` ofconnecting rod 51 and swings the bell-crank lever 59, |2|,.

to substantially the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7, and during such swinging movement the lower arm |2| of the bell-crank lever will swing rst through free motion portion B of its arc and then, after contacting the nut 30 on pull rod-- 28, will continue its movement .through the portion A of its arc, during which the actual application of the brakes is secured Whenever the brakes are new or readjusted. When the brakes have become worn, and nut 33 automatically adjusted along pull rod 28 in the manner hereinbefore described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 1 through 6, the free motion portion B of the arc of leverarm |2| will be less, andthe'nut itself will be moved rst to return the worn brake i,-

pending below track member (Fig. 7) at substantially the point reached by pawl when the brakes are fully applied. A torsional spring |41 encircles handle rod ||3 with its ends extending substantially horizontally into engagement with pawl |45 and sleeve ||1 respectively, whereby handle rod ||3 and pawl |45 are yieldingly held in substantially the positions shown in full lines in Figs. '1 and 8 at alltimes except when the handle rod is manually turned against the tension of spring |41, or pawl |45 slides along the inclined forward portion of ratchet tooth |46 and into locking engagement with the rear face of such tooth during the application of the brakes, in substantially the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. '1.

To release the brakes, handle rod 3 is partially rotated until pawl |45 is swung out of contact with tooth |45, whereupon the pull exerted from the brak-e rod 28 will restore the mechanism of the hand brake lever system into the full line starting position of Fig. '7, with the brakes fully released. Torsion spring |41 will restore handle I|3 and associated elements to normal positions *I0 when. the operators grasp on the handle 4I .IQ'A is releasedv 1:

While. the illustrated embodiments are. believed to. adequately fuliill the objects. and advantages hereinabove stated.y it is to. be understocd that modincation and variation may readily. be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my invention, I` claim:

l. Motor vehicle brake mechanism including, in combination, brakes having brake linings subject to` wearr during use,.foot operated mechanism for actuating said brakes, including a lever .swingable through greater arcs to apply said brakes as the brake linings wear, hand operated brake mechanism for actuatingv said brakes i-n- `cluding a lever swingable through the same arc at each application of the brakes, a pull rod movable by said last-mentioned-lever, slack take-up means adjustably mounted on said pull'rod, and means connected to and actuatedy by said` firstmentioned lever for automatically adjusting the position of said take-up means in accordance with the extent of arcuate travel of' said lever then required for application 01"" the brakes through said foot operated mechanism.

2; lVlotorv vehicle brake mechanism including, in combination, brakes having brake linings subject'to wear during use, foot operated mechanism for actuatingsaid brakes, including a lever swingable through greater arcs to apply said brakes as the brake linings wear, hand operated` brake mechanism for actuating said brakes including a lever swingable through substantially the same arc at equal application of the brakes by said hand operated mechanism regardless of wear of said brake linings, a pull rod, an adjustable member on said pull rod engageable by said lastmentioned lever during application of said brakes by said hand operated mechanism, and means for adjusting the position of said member along the pull rod when said foot brake mechanism is utilized to apply said brakes including a control rod pivotally connected to said rst-mentioned lever.

3. Motor vehicle brake mechanism including, in combination, brakes having brake linings subject to wear during use, foot operated mechanism for actuating said brakes, including a lever swingable through greater arcs to apply said brakes as the brake linings wear, hand operated brake mechanism for actuating said brakes including a lever swingable through substantially the same arc at each application of the brakes by said hand operated mechanism regardless of wear of said brake linings, a pull rod, an adjustable member on said pull rod engageable by said last-mentioned lever during application of said along the pull rod connected to and controlled by said first mentioned lever when said foot Ymentioned lever during application of said brakes by said hand operated mechanism, and means for adjusting the position of said member along the pull rod including a control rod pivotally connected to said mst-mentioned lever.

5. Motor vehicle brake mechanism including. in combination, brakes having brake linings subject to wear during use, foot operated mechanism for actuating said brakes, including a lever swingable through greater arcs to apply said brakes as the brake linings wear, hand operated brake mechanism for actuating said brakes including a lever swingable through substantially the same arc at each application of the brakes by said hand operated mechanism regardless of wear of said brake linings, a pull rod, an adjustable member on said pull rod engageable by said last-mentioned lever during application of said brakes by said hand operated mechanism, and means for adjusting the position of said member along the pull rod when said foot brake mechanism is utilized to apply said brakes including a control rod pivotally connected to said first-mentioned lever. said adjustable member having a hemispherical portion, and said lever of the hand operated brake mechanism having a hemispherical portion arranged to engage the hemispherical portion of ksaid adjustable member during at least a part of the arcuate travel of such lever when the brakes are applied through said hand operated mechaveach application of the brakes thereby, a pull rod, an adjustable member on said pull rod engaged by said lever during at least a portion of its arcuate travel in applying the brakes, said adjustable member being spaced from said lever when the brakes are on different predetermined distances according to the extent of wear of said brake linings, said pull rod carrying spaced buttress threads, and said adjustable member being formed of sections provided on their inner faces with a plurality of grooves shaped to t over said `buttress threads, and resilient means pressing said sections toward said pull rod.

7. Motor vehicle brake mechanism including, in combination, brakes having brake linings subject to wear during use, hand operated brake mechanism for actuating said brakes including a lever swingable through substantially the same arc at each application of the brakes thereby, a pull rod, an adjustable member on said pull rod engaged by said lever during at least a portion of its arcuate travel in applying the brakes, said adjustable member being spaced from said lever when the brakes are oi diiierent predetermined distances according to the extent of Wear of said brake linings, foot operated brake mechanism for also actuating said brakes, and means under control of said foot operated brake mechanism for adjusting the position of said adjustable member on said pull rod in accordance with the extent of wear of said brake linings.

CHARLES S. MCCARTHY.

REFERENCES CITED The followingreferences are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,655,366 Hannah Jan. 3, 1928 2,006,634 Evans et al July 2, 1935 2,008,425 Sawtele July 16, 1935 2,110,045 Kasin Mar. 1, 1938 2,187,636 Story Jan. 16, 1940 2,270,600 Ohlson Jan. 20, 1942 

